Surfboard metal &#34;V&#34; fin aly V fin

ABSTRACT

A surfboard metal fin arrangement; said fin arrangement including two metal fin elements extending from proximate an underside of said surfboard; said two metal fin elements arranged in an inverted “V” formation; metal forming each of said two fin elements having a thickness of between 1.0 and 3.5 mm.

Application No. 61/201,311 and Ser. No. 12/456,680

The use of metal to improve the performance of the surfboard fins

The use of v shaped centre fins {see drawing} on surfboards have not been popular since 1st thought of in the 60,s. This is due to its failure to perform because of its construction when a second fin was added to the centre fin

-   -   By using metal instead of the traditional means of plastics and         composites a totally new performance and shape can be achieved.     -   Metal fins have the following advantages.

The thinness of material can now be as little as 1 mm depending on the metals used.

This gives the fins a much needed reduction in drag, which is most important in surfboard design.

The one metal thickness gives consistent flexibility thus not limiting the fins shape and size. Metal fins are stronger and tend to bend rather than break under impact. This allows for easy repairs.

The two v shaped metal centre fins have less drag than any single fin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The two metal fins joined at the base to a common mounting plate, which will fit into its corresponding surfboard fin box.

FIG. 1 shows front or rear view of complete system, 2 fins joined at base to a common mounting plate

FIG. 2 shows side view of complete system, 2 fins joined at base to a common mounting plate

FIG. 3 shows an angled rear view of complete system, 2 fins joined at base to a common mounting plate

Accordingly, in on broad form of the invention, there is provided a surfboard metal fin arrangement; said fin arrangement including two metal fin elements extending from proximate an underside of said surfboard; said two metal fin elements arranged in an inverted “V” formation; metal forming each of said two fin elements having a material thickness of between 1.0 and 3.5 mm. Refer FIG. 1

Preferably, the surface area of each fin is between 100 and 200 square centimetres per fin. Refer FIG. 2

Preferably, said two fin elements extend from a common mounting plate: said “V” formation having an included angle of between 60 and 90 degrees. Refer FIG. 1

Preferably, said two fin elements are joined at the respective base of each of said fin elements: the junction of said fin elements generally coincident with an underside of said mounting plate: said common mounting plate adapted for insertion into a surfboard fin box of a surfboard such that the junction of said two fin elements is substantially coincident with an underside of said surfboard. Refer FIG. 3

Preferably, said metal is a non-ferrous alloy

For use with any surfboard that has a removable fin system 

1. A surfboard metal fin arrangement: said fin arrangement including two metal fin elements extending from proximate an underside of said surfboard: said two metal fin elements arranged in an inverted “V” formation; metal forming each of said two fin elements having a thickness of between 1.0 and 3.5 mm.
 2. The fin arrangement of claim 1 wherein the surface area of each fin is between 100 and 200 cm square.
 3. The fin arrangement of claim 1 or 2 wherein said two fin elements extend from a common mounting plate: said “V” formation having an included angle of between 60 and 90 degrees.
 4. The fin arrangement of claim 3 wherein said two fin elements are joined at the respective base of each of said fin elements: the junction of said fin elements generally coincident with an underside of said mounting plate; said common mounting plate adapted for insertion into a fin box of a surfboard such that the junction of said two fin elements is substantially coincident with an underside of a said surfboard.
 5. The fin arrangement of any on of claims 1 to 4 wherein said metal is a non-ferrous alloy. 